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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Study protocol

The development of a randomised controlled trial testing the effects of an online intervention among school students at risk of suicide

Authors: Jo Robinson, Sarah Hetrick, Georgina Cox, Sarah Bendall, Alison Yung, Hok Pan Yuen, Kate Templer, Jane Pirkis

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Suicide-related behaviour among young people is of significant concern, yet little is known regarding the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce risk among this population. Of those interventions that have been tested, cognitive-behavioural therapy appears to show some promise among young people with suicidal ideation. Internet-based interventions are becoming increasingly popular and have shown some effect in preventing and treating depression and anxiety in young people. However, to date there are no randomised controlled trials examining the impact of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy among suicidal youth.

Methods/design

This is a randomised controlled trial testing the effects of Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy among suicidal high school students who have sought help from the school wellbeing team. The intervention comprises 8 modules of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy delivered online. The study has a staggered, two-year recruitment phase and participants are assessed at baseline, post intervention and 12 weeks later.

Discussion

If effective the program has the ability to be readily adapted and delivered to a range of populations in a range of settings, at relatively little cost. It can also be adapted for mobile applications.

Trial registration

ACTRN12613000864​729. Date registered: 05/08/2013
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
The development of a randomised controlled trial testing the effects of an online intervention among school students at risk of suicide
Authors
Jo Robinson
Sarah Hetrick
Georgina Cox
Sarah Bendall
Alison Yung
Hok Pan Yuen
Kate Templer
Jane Pirkis
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-14-155

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